Many students of Comilla University (CoU) on Saturday formed a human chain demanding the cancelation of the decision to close the university for an indefinite period.
The human chain was formed under the supervision of Nazmus Shakib, a student of the Department of Economics at 11:30 am in the university's main square.
Comilla University (CoU) teachers' association and administration conflict has been going on for more than two and a half months. After the results of the Teachers' Association elections on February 19, the leaders of the Teachers' Association went to meet the Vice Chancellor for a courtesy call. Since then, the teachers' association has been holding various programs including boycotting classes. Finally, on April 28, as a result of the three-way conflict between teachers, students and the administration, the administration announced the closure of the university for an indefinite period.
The indefinite closure of universities has led to frustration among students and even fears of session jam. As a result of this, the general students have formed the human chain demanding five points, including canceling the decision to close the university.
The demands are: The decision to close the campus should be canceled immediately; everything including class-examination should be started immediately; the transport system should be started; the decision of teachers to skip classes should be canceled; and the crisis should be resolved by forming a fair investigation committee through the UGC or syndicate meeting within 72 hours.
Moreover, the students have given a 72-hour ultimatum to CoU administration and teachers' association to fulfill the demands.
“The teachers’ association has been boycotting classes since February 19. The teachers have boycotted classes for about 4 times. They claim it is a fair movement but we have faced losses. The common students are suffering in this movement of both parties. Their problems definitely need to be solved.” Said by Kamrul Islam Rakib, a student of Mathematics Department.
Maruf Sheikh, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, “Teachers and the Vice Chancellor have put us in a dilemma for their own interests. Most of the university students are from low-income families. Many students cover the cost of their education by providing tuition. It has become difficult as transportation facility has stopped. I strongly demand starting of the classes and examinations immediately.”
Another student of CoU, Kazi Fahmida Kanan, said, “The current situation in the university is very shameful. We want to get out of it. We want to come out of this hostage situation. Our exams were supposed to start but due to the indefinite closure we don't know when the exams will take place. We are in danger of severe session congestion. You two parties should discuss and come to an agreement quickly.”
Earlier on May 1, the general students also formed a human chain protesting the decision of the closure of the university.
